Maria Cecilia VALERA
Dublin,Ireland
Summary
A culinary professional with extensive expertise in nutritional knowledge and international cuisine. Adept at dietary adaptability, specially vegetarian, vegan, and macrobiotic cuisines. Demonstrates exceptional wine pairing acumen and maintains confidentiality, discretion, and unobtrusive service.
Offering strong culinary skills and keen eye for presentation. Knowledgeable about menu planning, ingredient selection, and maintaining clean, organised kitchen. Able to handle high-pressure situations with calm, professional demeanour.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work history
Private Chef
Embassy of Portugal in Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
12.2012 - 09.2025
- Created shopping lists and sourced high-quality ingredients from local markets.
- Maintained excellent communication with principal to understand their preferences better leading to personalised dining experiences
- Organised and coordinated meal preparation and presentation for private events.
- Managed kitchen operations ensuring cleanliness and adherence to food safety standards.
- Managed organic garden of vegetables, salads and herbs
- Collaborated with principal to customise dining experiences for special occasions.
- Researched and integrated global culinary trends into seasonal menu offerings.
- Prepared nutritious meals for clients' improved health and wellbeing.
- Coordinated with other household staff to ensure efficient service
Chef Consultant
Dive Thru Vacation Resort
Bohol, Philippines
04.2011 - 10.2012
- Developed innovative menus tailored to guest preferences and seasonal availability.
- Collaborated with culinary team to ensure consistent food quality and presentation.
- Mentored junior chefs to enhance their skills and foster a collaborative kitchen environment.
- Implemented cost-effective strategies for sourcing ingredients and managing kitchen inventory.
- Conducted regular training sessions to improve staff knowledge on food safety and hygiene standards.
Chef Consultant
Paris Delice Bistro
Makati, Philippines
04.2011 - 06.2011
- Developed innovative menu concepts that enhanced guest dining experiences.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline food preparation processes and improve efficiency.
- Conducted training sessions for culinary team on food safety and hygiene standards.
- Evaluated supplier offerings to ensure high-quality ingredients and sustainable sourcing.
Sous Chef
Microtel Inns & Suites, Mall of Asia
02.2010 - 03.2011
- HACCP
- Kitchen Organization, Manning, Rostering
- Cooking Methods and techniques
- Menu planning/International Recipes
- Knife Handling Skills
- Vegetables and potato processing and cuts
- Meat, poultry and fish processing and cuts
- Service
- A la carte, Set menu
- Buffet banquets, Breakfast buffets, Plated Dishes
Private Chef
Lutz Kunack (principal and vacation residences)
03.2009 - 07.2009
- Menu planning, costing, shopping
- Mise en place and cooking
- Training of household staff
Chef de Cuisine
New Zealand Official Residence
03.2008 - 04.2008
- Menu planning, costing, shopping
- Mise en place and cooking
- A la Carte and buffet services
Diet Coach/Consultant
Royal Preventive Medicine
Makati City
02.2008 - 02.2008
- Dietary coaching
- Food Preparation demo
Chef de Cuisine
Microtel Inns & Suites Boracay
01.2008 - 02.2008
Café Chef
Bodyworker Pilates Studio
11.2005 - 12.2006
- Menu planning
- Spa Cuisine and special diets
- Cooking demonstrations
Cultural Affairs Officer
Embassy of France in the Philippines
Makati City
10.1999 - 09.2005
Press and Information Assistant
Embassy of France in the Philippines
Makati City
02.1997 - 09.1999
Executive Assistant
Intrade Asia Pacific Corporation
Legaspi Village
05.1992 - 02.1997
Administrative Assistant
Manila Communications Ltd.
Manila
01.1989 - 05.1992
Education
Diploma - Culinary Arts and Kitchen Management
International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management
07.2006 - 9 2007
Bachelor of Arts - English/ Area of Concentration (Language)
University of The Philippines
Secondary Education - undefined
Quezon City Science High School
Skills
- Nutritional knowledge
- International cuisine
- Dietary adaptability
- Vegetarian, vegan, macrobiotic cuisines
- Wine pairing acumen
- Confidentiality, discretion and unobtrusive service
Languages
English
Filipino
Portuguese
French (reading)
Affiliations
- travel, fashion, interior design, gardening, pilates, yoga
Training
- March 2016 to 2018
- Continuing Education Online Courses
- Field to Plate (currently known as Genomic Kitchen)
- Colorado, USA
- Hearth to Health
- Culinary Genomics
- Cooking with Food that Talks to your Genes
- Taming the Fire of Pain and Inflammation
- Heat Hormones and Sleepless Nights
- The Hidden I’s of Managing your Weight
- July – August 2007
- On-the-Job Training: International Buffet, Chinese, Japanese kitchens
- Mandarin Oriental Manila
- Makati City, Philippines
- April-May 2005
- Arts, Culture & History
- Docent Training for Museum Guides
- Ayala Museum
- French Language & Culture
- Alliance Française de Paris, France
- Alliance Française de Manille, Philippines
Timeline
Private Chef
Embassy of Portugal in Dublin
12.2012 - 09.2025
Chef Consultant
Dive Thru Vacation Resort
04.2011 - 10.2012
Chef Consultant
Paris Delice Bistro
04.2011 - 06.2011
Sous Chef
Microtel Inns & Suites, Mall of Asia
02.2010 - 03.2011
Private Chef
Lutz Kunack (principal and vacation residences)
03.2009 - 07.2009
Chef de Cuisine
New Zealand Official Residence
03.2008 - 04.2008
Diet Coach/Consultant
Royal Preventive Medicine
02.2008 - 02.2008
Chef de Cuisine
Microtel Inns & Suites Boracay
01.2008 - 02.2008
Diploma - Culinary Arts and Kitchen Management
International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management
07.2006 - 9 2007
Café Chef
Bodyworker Pilates Studio
11.2005 - 12.2006
Cultural Affairs Officer
Embassy of France in the Philippines
10.1999 - 09.2005
Press and Information Assistant
Embassy of France in the Philippines
02.1997 - 09.1999
Executive Assistant
Intrade Asia Pacific Corporation
05.1992 - 02.1997
Administrative Assistant
Manila Communications Ltd.
01.1989 - 05.1992
Secondary Education - undefined
Quezon City Science High School
Bachelor of Arts - English/ Area of Concentration (Language)
University of The Philippines
Similar Profiles
Catarina RebeloCatarina Rebelo
Administration and Senior Accountant at Embassy Of Portugal in SingaporeAdministration and Senior Accountant at Embassy Of Portugal in Singapore
Reagan DeGeareReagan DeGeare
Intern- Consent Education & Prevention Program at Trinity College Dublin, The University of DublinIntern- Consent Education & Prevention Program at Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
Harsimran boparaiHarsimran boparai
Veterinary Assistant at Dublin Veterinary Hospital In DublinVeterinary Assistant at Dublin Veterinary Hospital In Dublin
Victoria RusnacVictoria Rusnac
Head barista at Butlers Chocolate CafeHead barista at Butlers Chocolate Cafe
Swapnil SuryavanshiSwapnil Suryavanshi
Lead engineer at Emerson Automation SolutionsLead engineer at Emerson Automation Solutions